Schoolin' Around

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In this episode of School and Around, host Larissa Napolitan engages with educators leading the MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) work in their districts. The conversation explores the challenges faced in implementing MTSS, including building buy-in, resource limitations, and the need for effective data utilization. Educators share their unique journeys, insights on student-centered support plans, and strategies for effective intervention resources. The discussion emphasizes the importance of monitoring intervention effectiveness, managing time, and prioritizing professional development, all while addressing the realities of limited staff and resources in K-12 education.

Resources:

Middle of the Year Webinar: MTSS Momentum

2024 MTSS Virtual Summit

Middle of Year eBook

Ultimate MTSS Guide

Top 2024 Branching Minds Resources

Request a consultation

Takeaways:

• MTSS has the potential to transform student support.
• Building stakeholder buy-in is essential for MTSS success.
• Time management is a significant challenge for teachers.
• Quality tier one instruction reduces the need for interventions.
• Professional development must be sustained and relevant.
• Collaboration among educators enhances MTSS implementation.
• Monitoring intervention effectiveness is crucial for student success.
• Tailored support plans are necessary for individual student needs.
• Resource alignment across grades improves data continuity.
• Addressing attendance issues requires a holistic approach.

Learn more about MTSS and Branching Minds by visiting our Branching Minds Website, or sign up for our weekly Newsletter on all things MTSS. Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn @BranchingMinds. 

Send feedback or inquiries to [email protected]!

Take our 2024 Listener Surveyand be entered to win an Amazon Gift Card! 

In this conversation, Larissa and Maya Gat, Branching Minds CEO,  discuss the challenges and uncertainties facing educators as they look ahead to 2025. They reflect on the difficulties of 2024, including budget constraints and the need for innovative solutions. Maya emphasizes the importance of leveraging technology, particularly AI, to improve educational practices and support teachers. They share success stories from districts that have embraced these innovations and highlight the critical role of leadership in fostering a positive educational environment. The discussion concludes with an exciting outlook on the developments Branching Minds is working on for the upcoming year.

Resources:

Future of Meetings with AI Article

Top MTSS Resources of 2024

Seriously Better Meetings: Launch Party

Request a consultation

Takeaways:

• The work continues to be exceedingly hard for educators.
• Budget uncertainty makes the bets we take riskier.
• The longer you spend in struggle, the harder the problems become.
• There's a lot of uncertainty moving into 2025.
• In the uncertainty, there's possibility.
• District leaders are hungry for innovations.
• Teachers deserve cutting-edge technology.
• Teaching is hard work; we need to refill our cup.
• Meetings are extremely expensive in any company.
• We need to be learning from advancements in other places.

Learn more about MTSS and Branching Minds by visiting our Branching Minds Website, or sign up for our weekly Newsletter on all things MTSS. Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn @BranchingMinds. 

Send feedback or inquiries to [email protected]!

Take our 2024 Listener Survey for a chance to win an Amazon Gift Card!

In this episode, Larissa reflects on the challenges and successes faced by education leaders in 2024, focusing on chronic absenteeism, mental health, behavior issues, and the importance of a holistic approach to student success. She emphasizes the significance of building connections with students and families, addressing emotional needs, and creating supportive environments that foster academic achievement. The conversation highlights the impact of leadership in transforming school culture and the lives of students.

Resources:

Middle of Year eBook

EWS Guide

MTSS Behavior Resources

Top MTSS Resources of 2024

Request a consultation

Takeaways:

• Building relationships with families is crucial for improving attendance.
• Mental health support is essential for student success.
• Behavior issues often stem from deeper emotional or academic needs.
• Shifting the perspective from 'what's wrong' to 'what happened' is vital.
• Teaching emotional regulation equips students for life.
• A holistic approach to education unlocks academic potential.
• Success stories demonstrate the impact of focused leadership.
• Every small effort contributes to long-term progress.
• Leaders play a key role in changing lives and school culture.

Learn more about MTSS and Branching Minds by visiting our Branching Minds Website, or sign up for our weekly Newsletter on all things MTSS. Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn @BranchingMinds. 

Send feedback or inquiries to [email protected]!

In this episode, host Larissa Napolitan engages with a panel of experts to discuss the implementation of Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) in K-12 education. Guests include Karen Castle, Director Emeritus of Professional Services at Branching Minds, Dr. Mary O’Meara is the Superintendent of the Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District in New York, and Dr. Barbara Jenkins, A highly recognized education leader, Florida Superintendent of the Year in 2017 and a top finalist for the national title.

The conversation covers the importance of aligning MTSS with district strategic plans, the role of data in driving educational outcomes, and the necessity of collaboration among educators. The panelists share their experiences in building a comprehensive MTSS framework, fostering buy-in from staff, and the critical role of leadership in ensuring the success of MTSS initiatives. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the importance of setting clear adoption milestones and the necessity of continuous progress monitoring in educational settings. They emphasize the need for a living strategic plan that includes regular check-ins and adjustments based on data. Finally, the speakers address the importance of discipline in educational leadership, focusing on data-driven decision-making and purposeful abandonment of ineffective initiatives.

Resources:

The Superintendent’s Guide to MTSS and District Strategic Planning

Superintendents and MTSS Article

Superintendents and MTSS Webinar

2024 Listener Survey

Request a consultation

Takeaways:

• MTSS should be integrated into the district's strategic plan.
• Collaboration among teachers enhances the effectiveness of MTSS.
• Leadership from the superintendent is crucial for MTSS success.
• Professional development is necessary for staff to understand MTSS.
• A comprehensive MTSS plan should address all student needs.
• MTSS is a long-term commitment, not a quick fix.
• Creating a culture of support benefits both students and educators. Strategic planning should include a live dashboard for tracking progress.
• Continuous improvement is essential for both student outcomes and organizational success.
• Communication plans must be intentional and clear to ensure alignment.
• Data-driven decision-making is vital in K-12 education.
• Purposeful abandonment of ineffective initiatives is necessary for progress.
• Setting clear goals helps in aligning efforts across the district.

Learn more about MTSS and Branching Minds by visiting our Branching Minds Website, or sign up for our weekly Newsletter on all things MTSS. Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn @BranchingMinds. 

Send feedback or inquiries to [email protected]!

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Episode Description:

In this conversation, Mitch Weathers, teacher, author and creator of Organize Binder, discusses the critical role of executive functioning skills in education, particularly for middle and high school students. They explore how these skills impact student success, the importance of routines in the classroom, and the cognitive load that students experience as they transition between different educational environments. Mitch shares his personal experiences as a teacher and the insights he gained about the necessity of teaching organization and self-regulation skills to help students thrive academically and emotionally. In this conversation, Larissa and Mitch Weathers discuss the importance of executive functioning skills in education, how collective teacher efficacy can enhance student outcomes, and the balance between technology and traditional learning methods. Mitch shares insights from his book, 'Executive Functions for Every Classroom,' highlighting practical approaches for teachers to implement these concepts effectively.

Resources:

Organized Binder

Mitch’s Book: Executive Functions for Every Classroom, Grades 3-12: Creating Safe and Predictable Learning Environments 

Executive Function Webinar

Executive Function Toolkit

Executive Function in MTSS

Executive Function Blog 2

Request a consultation

Takeaways:

• Executive functioning skills are essential for student success.
• Organization is a foundational skill that many students lack.
• Students often feel better when they are organized.
• Teaching routines can significantly aid student learning.
• Cognitive load affects students' ability to learn and self-regulate.
• Routines help reduce anxiety during transitions in school.
• Mental calories are a finite resource for students.
• Clarity in expectations can help students thrive in new environments.
• Collective routines among teachers can ease student transitions.
• Collective teacher efficacy significantly impacts student success.
• Routine and clarity in the classroom foster a safe learning environment.
• Modeling executive functioning skills is crucial for student learning.

Learn more about MTSS and Branching Minds by visiting our Branching Minds Website, or sign up for our weekly Newsletter on all things MTSS. Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn @BranchingMinds. 

Send feedback or inquiries to [email protected]!

In this conversation, Larissa and Julie Miller-Johnson, Branching Minds Associate Director of Funding and Proposals, discuss the complexities of funding for Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) in education. They explore various funding sources, including federal, state, and private grants, and how schools can align their needs with available resources. Julie shares insights on the importance of understanding the nuances of each funding source and the necessity of evidence-based practices in securing funds. Additionally, the conversation addresses the current funding challenges faced by districts, especially in the wake of the ESSER funding cliff, and emphasizes the need for creativity and strategic planning in funding initiatives to support MTSS implementation.

Resources:

Funding Opportunities for MTSS

How Schools Fund MTSS

MTSS Buyer's Guide

Request a consultation

2024 Listener Survey

Takeaways

• Understanding MTSS is crucial for effective funding.
• Federal grants are often rooted in equity.
• State grants vary significantly by region.
• Private funding can be a viable option for smaller districts.
• Evidence-based practices are essential for federal funding.
• Grants often align with legislative initiatives.
• Successful funding strategies involve detailed research and planning. Branching Minds is an evidence-based program that meets federal funding requirements.
• Mixing and matching different funding sources can be beneficial.

Learn more about MTSS and Branching Minds by visiting our Branching Minds Website, or sign up for our weekly Newsletter on all things MTSS. Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn @BranchingMinds. 

Send feedback or inquiries to [email protected]!

In this episode, Larissa discusses the pressing mental health issues faced by students today, highlighting the need for effective frameworks like MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) to address these challenges. She emphasizes the importance of integrating Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) to create a cohesive environment that supports student well-being. The conversation also covers the significance of assessments and progress monitoring in understanding and supporting students' social-emotional and behavioral needs.

Resources:

SEL and Behavior Article

Tier 1 Behavior Guide

2024 MTSS Virtual Summit

Request a consultation

Takeaways:

• MTSS frameworks are essential for addressing student needs.
• SEL focuses on developing healthy identities and emotional management.
• PBIS encourages positive behaviors through proactive strategies.
• SEL and PBIS can work together within MTSS.
• Behavior data can inform SEL curriculum implementation.
• Different assessments serve unique purposes in understanding student needs.
• Progress monitoring is crucial for both academic and SEL areas.
• Schools can support both SEL and behavior without choosing one over the other.
• Understanding student strengths and needs leads to better support decisions.

Learn more about MTSS and Branching Minds by visiting our Branching Minds Website, or sign up for our weekly Newsletter on all things MTSS. Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn @BranchingMinds. 

Send feedback or inquiries to [email protected]!

Jessica Orenstein, a behavioral scientist and public health practitioner, joins Larissa Napolitan to discuss the emotional challenges students face as they transition from high school to college. As the Director of Programmatic Partnerships at The Jed Foundation (JED), a leading nonprofit that protects emotional health and prevents suicide for teens and young adults nationwide, Jessica oversees partnerships and resources that extend JED's school-based programs and directly impact students’ everyday lives. In this conversation, Jessica emphasizes the importance of emotional readiness, the impact of societal pressures on decision-making, and the need for supportive environments so caregivers and educators can show up for students during this exciting yet stressful time. She also shares insights on recognizing signs of emotional distress in students and offers educators strategies to provide support Larissa and Jessica’s conversation emphasizes the importance of normalizing struggles, fostering resilience, and preparing students for emotional transitions, and highlights the need for schools to focus on holistic education, building independence, and developing life skills. 

In this episode, you’ll also learn about JED’s Set to Go program, which offers tools to support students, educators, and caregivers in navigating these transitions effectively.

Resources:

Set To Go Resources

The Jed Foundation (JED)

JED Mental Health Resource Center

Blog: The Importance of Social-Emotional Learning in Secondary School

Guide: Guide for Universal Screening for SEL & Behavior

Request a consultation

Takeaways:

• Students often feel homesickness and loneliness during transitions.
• It's important to normalize changing one's mind about career paths.
• Emotional readiness is crucial for students transitioning to college or the workforce.
• Community building is essential for student well-being.
• Supportive environments can help students thrive emotionally.
• Asking the right questions can guide students in their decision-making.
• Students should be encouraged to prioritize their emotional well-being. Students may not always ask for help, so teachers should anticipate struggles.
• Academic performance can be misleading; high achievers may also struggle.
• Focusing on the holistic side of education is crucial for student success.
• Colleges and jobs offer various resources to assist students in their transition.

Learn more about MTSS and Branching Minds by visiting our Branching Minds Website, or sign up for our weekly Newsletter on all things MTSS. Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn @BranchingMinds. 

Send feedback or inquiries to [email protected]!

In this conversation, Larissa and “Coach Rudy” discuss the critical role of emotional intelligence in education, emphasizing the need for students to develop responsibility and prioritization skills. “Coach Rudy” shares insights on effective teaching methods, the importance of leadership in implementing social emotional learning (SEL) programs, and the long-term impact of these skills on students' lives. He highlights the necessity of a coherent narrative and common language across educational settings to ensure the success of SEL initiatives.

Resources:

2024 MTSS Virtual Summit

"Coach Rudy" Website: https://sellaunchpad.com/about/

Social Emotional Learning in Secondary Schools

Request a consultation

Takeaways:

• Emotional intelligence is crucial for student success.
• Students need to learn responsibility and prioritization skills.
• Proactive skill development can change a child's life.
• Teaching should focus on explicit instruction and practice.
• Leadership plays a vital role in implementing SEL programs.
• Common language across educators enhances SEL effectiveness.
• Curriculum should be research-based and evidence-driven.
• SEL initiatives require support and resources for teachers.
• Success stories demonstrate the impact of SEL on students.
• Building emotional intelligence leads to better academic outcomes.

Learn more about MTSS and Branching Minds by visiting our Branching Minds Website, or sign up for our weekly Newsletter on all things MTSS. Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn @BranchingMinds. 

Send feedback or inquiries to [email protected]!

In this episode of Schooling Around, host Larissa Napolitan speaks with Sarah Frazelle, Senior Researcher and MTSS Trainer at American Institutes for Research. They discuss the importance of early intervention in education, the role of data in decision-making, and the challenges faced by schools in implementing effective support systems. Sarah emphasizes the need for community involvement, the significance of student voice, and the importance of creating a supportive school environment to enhance student success.

Resources:

EWS Article

MTSS and Attendance Article

Early Warning System Webinar

Request a consultation

2024 MTSS Virtual Summit

Takeaways:

• Every child has the ability to succeed.
• Identifying root causes of student struggles is crucial.
• Data analysis is essential for predicting student outcomes.
• Early warning systems can help intervene before students fall behind.
• Community and parental involvement are key to student success.
• Student voice should be integrated into decision-making processes.
• Creating a supportive school environment enhances student engagement.
• Teachers need to collaborate and communicate effectively.
• Less is more when it comes to data; focus on key indicators.
• Education should be a positive experience for all students.

Learn more about MTSS and Branching Minds by visiting our Branching Minds Website, or sign up for our weekly Newsletter on all things MTSS. Don’t forget to follow and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn @BranchingMinds. 

Send feedback or inquiries to [email protected]!